Measuring transducer movement methods and systems for multi-dimensional ultrasound imaging
First Claim
1. A method for measuring transducer movement for multi-dimensional ultrasound imaging, the method comprising:
- positioning a transducer at an angle other than perpendicular to a skin surface;
translating at least a portion of the transducer on the skin surface, wherein translating comprises translating the transducer while substantially maintaining the angle;
measuring, from ultrasound data, a first distance of the transducer translation during translating, the first distance being calculated as a function of a value of the angle; and
determining a second distance of the transducer translation with an optical sensor responsive to patient tissue of the skin surface; and
determining a translation distance as a function of the first and second distances.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems for measuring transducer movement are provided. For example, free-hand scanning for three-dimensional imaging is provided. An optical sensor within the transducer measures motion along the skin surface similar to measuring movement of a personal computer mouse with an optical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the transducer is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular to the skin surface generally towards or away from the direction in which the transducer is translated. The transducer is then translated while maintaining the angle. Motion to or from the transducer is measured, and a component of the motion measured while the transducer is maintained at an angle is parallel to the direction of translation. The component of motion is angle corrected and used to determine a distance of travel.
-
Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A method for measuring transducer movement for multi-dimensional ultrasound imaging, the method comprising:
-
positioning a transducer at an angle other than perpendicular to a skin surface; translating at least a portion of the transducer on the skin surface, wherein translating comprises translating the transducer while substantially maintaining the angle; measuring, from ultrasound data, a first distance of the transducer translation during translating, the first distance being calculated as a function of a value of the angle; and determining a second distance of the transducer translation with an optical sensor responsive to patient tissue of the skin surface; and determining a translation distance as a function of the first and second distances. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification